Cookies

We want you to get the most out of using this website, which is why we and our partners use cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to receive these cookies. You can find out more about how we use cookies here.

Think before you flush, beach campaign reminds Cumbria residents

Last updated at 16:34, Wednesday, 08 January 2014

THE future of beaches across Furness could be down to the “three ps” a campaign has claimed.

Title
Author
Copyright

Description

The Morecambe Bay Partnership has launched its Love My Beach campaign, which aims to stop people pouring fats down the drain and flushing sanitary products down the toilet – which can block sewers and cause raw sewage to be be washed out to sea.

According to Emma McColm, who is leading the Love My Beach campaign, only the “three ps” should be flushed – pee, poo and paper.

It is hoped, should people follow these steps, that bathing water quality will improve with fewer overflows from the sewerage system.

Ms McColm said: “We need to get people to realise they can help improve water quality. We’ve always struggled with water quality in Morecambe Bay and in 2015 there are stricter guidelines coming in.”

When people flush fats or sanitary products down toilets they cause blockages which can result in raw sewage entering the sea through storm drains and overflows.

Ms McColm said without action from residents across the bay area, more beaches will be under threat. There is already a chance beaches around Walney will have to display warning signs about poor water quality if standards do not improve.

Barrow Borough Council is running a consultation on declassifying Roanhead and Askam beaches as fit for swimming due to lack of use and low water quality.